Chi Lewis-Parry, actor and accomplished stunt performer, steps into the arena as Phoebus in Ridley Scott’s highly anticipated ‘Gladiator II’. Opposite acclaimed actor Paul Mescal, Lewis-Perry joins an impressive cast, including the legendary Denzel Washington and the esteemed Derek Jacobi. As he brings the mythological figure of Phoebus to life on the big screen, Lewis-Perry shares a glimpse into the demanding process, the intensity of the role, and what it’s like to work alongside cinematic icons in this monumental sequel.

Can you walk us through the journey of landing the role in ‘Gladiator II’? What was that experience like for you?

“Absolutely, I’ll never forget it. My agent called me in for an audition, only hinting that it was a Ridley Scott film and advising me to prepare for a physically demanding day with the stunt team—which was music to my ears. The audition was intense; we filmed various fight sequences and pre-visualizations that were sent to Ridley. As fate would have it, the fight choreographer for ‘Gladiator II’ was my close friend, Cali Nelle. A few days later, he reached out to let me know Ridley had seen my tape and was considering me for a specific role. The whole experience was unforgettable, right down to the bruises and exhaustion afterwards (laughs). The rest is history.”

In ‘Gladiator II’, you play the role of Phoebus. What specific training or research did you undergo to bring this character to life?

“After landing the role, I went straight into character exploration, eager to bring depth and authenticity to Phoebus. In Greek mythology, Phoebus is another name for Apollo, the god of the sun, light, and truth, symbolising both divine strength and enlightenment. He’s also associated with music, poetry, and healing—a complex figure embodying qualities of beauty, power, and even a sense of justice. I spent time researching these facets of Apollo, looking at classical art and sculpture to understand how he was portrayed across centuries.

At first, I focused on his physicality—his stance, his posture, even subtle gestures that might convey his god-like nature—but ultimately, I realised that overanalysing wasn’t helping. When I finally set foot in the very arena where Maximus (Russell Crowe) once fought Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), I felt an indescribable energy, almost as if the legacy of the first film was imprinted in the sand.

“That ancient atmosphere brought an electricity to my performance, making me feel connected to something greater.”

“It was in that moment that Phoebus truly came to life, not just as a mythical figure but as a warrior who understood both the beauty and brutality of his world.”

Who were your main scene partners in the film, and how did you work together to bring out the story’s intensity?

“Most of my scenes were with the lead, Paul Mescal, which was an incredible experience. I also had the privilege of sharing the space with the legendary Denzel Washington and the remarkable Derek Jacobi. It was surreal working alongside such icons.”

How would you describe your overall experience working on this film, especially considering its scale and historical legacy?

“This experience is something truly rare—there’s only been one Gladiator before, and that was 24 years ago, so stepping into this sequel feels historic. To be the right age and the right person for this second instalment, alongside such incredible talent, is such a privilege. It’s humbling beyond words to be part of a project with this kind of legacy, and I say that with the deepest respect and gratitude for everyone who made it possible.”

Do you have any upcoming projects on the horizon that you’re particularly excited about?

“Gladiator II has prepared me in so many ways for what’s on the horizon, particularly by pushing me to new limits physically and creatively.”

“I’m especially thrilled about reuniting with Danny Boyle soon; he’s someone I deeply respect as both an artist and a visionary director. He has an incredible eye for storytelling, and working with him feels like a masterclass. There are a few things I can’t reveal just yet, but let’s just say, I’m very excited for what’s next, and I think the audience will be too!”

Featured photo credit: Full Frame Atelier